Senior Welder

Valar Atomics; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership

Unlimited PTO

Free onsite meals

PPE stipend

Career growth

Autonomy

Job summary

Valar Atomics is seeking a Senior Welder to fabricate precision components for modular nuclear reactor systems. You will perform high-integrity welds on pressure vessels, piping, and structural assemblies in a hands-on shop-floor role critical to building first-of-a-kind hardware.

Responsibilities include reading engineering drawings, maintaining welding equipment, and coordinating with QC for NDE, all while mentoring junior welders in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• AWS certified welder with proven GTAW (TIG) on stainless steel and exotic alloys.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, weld symbols, and WPS documentation.
• Experience with ASME Section IX / B31.3 or similar code welding strongly preferred.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes.

Responsibilities

• Perform GTAW/TIG, GMAW, and SMAW welds on carbon steel, stainless steel, and nickel alloys to nuclear-grade specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and engineering drawings for pressure vessels and structural assemblies.
• Conduct in-process and final visual inspection of welds; coordinate with QC for NDE (dye penetrant, radiographic, ultrasonic) testing.
• Maintain and calibrate welding equipment; select filler metals, shielding gases, and parameters per WPS.
• Mentor junior welders and enforce shop safety, quality, and 5S standards on the floor.
• Document weld travelers, certifications, and non-conformances in accordance with quality management procedures.

Skills

GTAW TIG

GMAW

Blueprint reading

ASME Codes IX/III

Welding equipment maintenance

Education

AWS Certified Welder

Tools

Welding Equipment

NDE Equipment

WPS Documentation

Job description

At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable—unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.

The Team

As part of the Manufacturing organization, the Fabrication/Weld Shop produces complex structural and mechanical assemblies that meet demanding quality and performance requirements. The team combines skilled craftsmanship with disciplined manufacturing practices to support production.

The Role

Valar Atomics is looking for a Senior Welder to fabricate precision components for our modular nuclear reactor systems. You will perform high-integrity welds on pressure vessels, piping, and structural assemblies, working closely with engineering and quality teams to meet demanding nuclear-grade specifications. This is a hands-on shop-floor role critical to building first-of-a-kind hardware.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform GTAW/TIG, GMAW, and SMAW welds on carbon steel, stainless steel, and nickel alloys to nuclear-grade specifications.
• Read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and engineering drawings for pressure vessels and structural assemblies.
• Perform in-process and final visual inspection of welds; coordinate with QC for NDE (dye penetrant, radiographic, ultrasonic) testing.
• Maintain and calibrate welding equipment; select correct filler metals, shielding gases, and parameters per WPS.
• Mentor junior welders and enforce shop safety, quality, and 5S standards on the floor.
• Document weld travelers, certifications, and non-conformances in accordance with quality management procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional welding experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, or heavy industrial environment.
• AWS Certified Welder (or equivalent) with demonstrated proficiency in GTAW (TIG) on stainless steel and exotic alloys.
• Ability to read and work from complex engineering drawings, weld symbols, and WPS documentation.
• Experience with pressure vessel or code welding (ASME Section IX, B31.3, or similar) strongly preferred.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup manufacturing environment with evolving processes.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in a shop-floor setting with appropriate PPE.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience welding in nuclear, aerospace, or other highly regulated quality environments.
• Orbital welding experience for small-diameter precision tubing.
• Familiarity with ASME Section IX / Section III code welding and NDE processes.
• Prior experience standing up welding processes or procedures in a new manufacturing line.
• Forklift, overhead crane, or rigging certification.

What We Offer

• Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
• Unlimited PTO
• Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
• Generous PPE stipend
• High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
• Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
• Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
• The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).